Blind Trust Read online

  Blind Trust

  By Lynda Aicher

  From Lynda Aicher, author of the bestselling Wicked Play books, comes an exclusive invitation to the Boardroom—where working late has its rewards

  A blindfold. Four men intent on only her pleasure. Knowing she’s being watched. It’s her ultimate erotic fantasy—and it’s really happening.

  Brighton Wakeford has played by the rules her entire life. From her country-club upbringing to her job as a paralegal, she’s the image of propriety and class. And she’s tired of it.

  An invitation to the Boardroom is Brighton’s chance to transform. Here she’s Brie—free to explore her wildest cravings, her most scandalous desires.

  As the lawyer for the exclusive Boardroom club, Ryan Burns knows confidentiality is vital. As a member, he gets off on the controlled ecstasy, the exhilarating balance of trust and power. So when he recognizes a beautiful, blindfolded and very willing new participant as a coworker, he knows he should back off. Brighton Wakeford is business. The Boardroom is about pleasure.

  But the rules are about to change.

  This book is approximately 73,000 words

  One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

  Edited by Stephanie Doig

  Dedication

  This one is for the spark. That idea that grows and blooms until you have to act on it.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Epilogue

  Excerpt from After Hours by Lynda Aicher

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  Ryan Burns stepped into the boardroom, looked around. A week’s worth of tension slipped from his shoulders on a single, long exhale. “Evening, gentlemen.”

  “Burns.” Cramer gave a nod as he loosened his shirt cuff.

  Aaron looked up. “Evening.”

  “Jacob said he’d be ready in about ten minutes,” Ryan told the other men as he draped his suit jacket over the back of a chair that’d been pushed against the wall.

  A small table lamp on the credenza at the back of the room provided the only source of light. It dulled the beige industrial carpeting to a muted cream that blended with the pale walls and oak table that ran down the center of the room.

  “Did you see the woman?” Cramer asked. He removed his shirt, tossing it with his suit jacket on a chair.

  “No.” He hadn’t wanted to. He preferred the surprise. That was the primary reason why he’d signed on to this scene.

  Aaron strolled around the table to lean against the windows. The city skyline jutted up behind him at random heights in a spread of buildings that floated over the low bank of fog that’d rolled in. The sun had set an hour back to leave the city blanketed in the dank, encompassing chill that was common in the summer.

  The dim light coupled with the sea of fog brought an intimacy to the otherwise sterile setting. Not that Ryan cared.

  He wasn’t there for the atmosphere. No, he was there for the sex. And that didn’t require romance of any kind. Not for him.

  “Did Jacob give you any additional details?” Cramer asked.

  He turned his back to deflect the question. The man talked way more than Ryan cared for. He didn’t come to the Boardroom to talk or make friends.

  “No,” Aaron answered. “Not beyond what was posted.”

  Ryan turned off his phone and slid it into the pocket on his suit jacket, along with his wallet. He left the condoms in his pants pocket, despite spotting a supply of the items on the credenza.

  “Do you think she’ll be hot?” Cramer persisted.

  His jaw tightened around the words he held back. External appearances had never been a requirement within the Boardroom. The exclusive group celebrated the thrill of public sex in safe environments. A willingness to explore, have an open mind and revel in what was otherwise scorned were the primary qualifiers.

  Discretion and manners were close seconds.

  Aaron crossed his arms, his frown pulling his brows low. He caught Ryan’s eye and gave a small roll of his own. Cramer was harmless, but he had an unfortunate knack for annoying others.

  Ryan moved around the table, smirking at Aaron as he passed. He rolled the sleeves up on his dress shirt, expectation prickling across his shoulder blades. He rested against the credenza, glanced at the time. He’d removed his tie in the car, and he debated on removing his watch but decided to keep it on.

  Jacob had provided minimal information about his female guest. It was her first and possibly only visit to the Boardroom. That alone had been enough to entice Ryan. Add in a grueling week spent huddled over legal contracts with a client who insisted on dismissing his advice, and he was more than ready to give this woman the most erotic night of her life.

  “I always love this room,” Cramer said, gesturing out the window. “Thanks for offering it up.” He nodded to Aaron who gave him a slight smile back.

  Ryan glanced outside. The nearest building of equal height was half a block down. The high-rise hotel provided a full arsenal of unintentional viewers. Curtains covered most of the windows, but many remained open, dull yellow lights glowing into the darkness.

  Would anyone notice them? He didn’t know or care, not really. The potential alone was enough. He could only assume that was what Cramer was referring to.

  There was always a chance of getting caught. They might hold their meetings long after normal working hours, and every room used was provided by a member, but nothing was guaranteed. As the Boardroom lawyer, he knew that too damn well.

  Jacob popped his head in the doorway. “I’m getting her now.” He glanced around. “Any questions?”

  Three silent head shakes were his answer.

  “Good.” He turned away before he quickly spun back. “It’s her birthday present. Let’s make it good for her.” He winked, a devious smile appearing before he left.

  Ryan crossed his arms, inhaled. He closed his eyes and focused inward. The slow beat of his pulse came through to provide the consistency he sought. Another inhale and he released the residual irritation that lingered.

  The low hum of the air conditioner filtered into his awareness. In some ways, it amplified the silence, but he found solace in it. Gone was the stress of the day. Dismissed were the troubles that waited for him at his desk. Nothing mattered but this moment.

  Which was all he had to give.

  A soft gasp from the hallway yanked his eyes open. Everything froze as he waited for th
e woman to step through the door. Anticipation buzzed on a low note to tighten his chest and entice his dick. Four on one was always an interesting tango between observing and participating.

  He’d be content to watch tonight, if the scene played out that way, let the erotic show be a teaser until he got home and relieved the tension with his own hand. Controlling the build was just another part of the game.

  Jacob appeared first, his focus on the leggy brunette slightly behind him. He ushered her through the doorway, a hand on her back to guide her. A black blindfold covered her eyes and most of her upper face, which only highlighted the dark red stain of her lipstick.

  This was ultimate trust given by her—to a group of men she didn’t know.

  The power of that surged up to pick at the multitude of possibilities. She was at their mercy. Theirs to tempt and pleasure until she begged for relief...or more.

  Wavy curls draped over her shoulders, the ends grazing the mounds of her breasts pushed high by the lilac bra. Her lean form curved at the hips and enticed his gaze down to the tiny silk panties, which shimmered softly in the low light.

  He swallowed, pulse increasing when a tentative smile teased her lips. He sucked in a quiet breath, thoughts spinning.

  There was something familiar about her. Too familiar.

  Brie. That was the name Jacob had provided, and it was probably a scene name.

  His eyes narrowed, doubts forming as logic kicked in. The odds were astronomical given the number of people populating the San Francisco Bay area.

  Brie.

  Like the cheese he detested but consumed when social situations dictated he should. Like the possible shortened name of the paralegal who worked with his law partner. Same brown hair. Same general height and build. Same nervous tap of her fingers in a run against her thumb that she failed to contain when presenting her case research.

  Brighton Wakeford. Damn it.

  Even if it was her, did it matter? She couldn’t see him.

  But he could see all of her. Every small dip and freckle that dotted her pale skin. Like the mole at the edge of her collarbone. And the one on her hip, just above her panty line.

  Were there more? Would he find them all?

  One night of lust and sex. That was all he was there for.

  And so was she.

  Chapter Two

  Cold air rushed over Brighton Wakeford in a sudden burst as she passed beneath an air vent. She sucked in a breath, abdomen contracting as a wave of goose bumps raced down her chest to pebble her nipples into hard, tingling points. Her grip tightened around the hand holding hers.

  “Are you okay?” the man asked. His voice was pitched low, concern whispering over his words. His steps slowed. Stopped.

  She barely suppressed a flinch when he touched the small of her back. Her pulse thudded loud and persistent in her head in time with the racing beat in her chest.

  What am I doing?

  Darkness engulfed everything behind the blindfold covering her eyes. She was completely reliant upon the man leading her. Jacob. He’d never given her his last name, and she hadn’t asked.

  Her swallow was forced and thick. “Yes.” She gave a firm nod to reassure him. She wasn’t backing down. Not now.

  Nerves fluttered nonstop in her stomach and prickled over every inch of her bared skin. The skimpy lingerie she’d purchased specifically for tonight suddenly felt nonexistent. The half-shell cups lifted her breasts in a blatantly sexual display. One look in the dressing room mirror and she’d known the lilac set was perfect.

  Now, she wasn’t so sure.

  “You can stop this at any time,” he reminded her. He’d gone over all the rules and answered her questions when they’d met for coffee last week.

  “I know.” She did. Lori had reassured her of that before she’d agreed to this insane gift. This secret group her friend belonged to was so exclusive she didn’t even know if it had a name or who was involved. “I...” She blew out a calming breath. “I’m good. Really.”

  She wasn’t running away from this opportunity. Nope. It didn’t matter how nervous she was.

  “We’re here,” he said a few steps later.

  This was it. She lifted her chin, sucked in her stomach and let Jacob guide her into a room. The boardroom. That’s what she’d been told.

  She was going to have sex in a corporate boardroom. With...she didn’t know who. Or how many. Two? Three? Did she care?

  Her secret truth grew in small increments that strengthened her smile. She didn’t. Not tonight. Not when she’d been promised it was safe and they wouldn’t get caught or arrested for public indecency.

  Awareness sprung up in an onslaught of sensory input. To her right, someone let out a low breath. The soft brush of material alerted her to a second person across the room. Another rush of goose bumps chased down her spine when the door clicked shut behind her.

  “As you know,” Jacob started, a note of command leveling his tone, “Brie is my guest tonight. It’s her first time here.” He ran his hand down her back in a caress that was both soothing and thrilling. “No pain. No toys. Kissing, fingering and oral are okay. Intercourse only at her consent. Her blindfold stays on at all times.”

  “Got it.”

  She turned toward the clipped words that came from her right, excitement creeping in to twine with her nerves.

  “Agreed” came across low and firm from a man on the other side of the room.

  “Understood.” She whipped her head around at the last unexpected voice. Sexy, deep and somehow handsome. Could a voice be classified as such?

  Wait. There were four men?

  Her heart did a skip and clutch before she got her breath back. She didn’t have to fuck any of them, let alone all of them. It was her choice, and Lori had sworn that they’d listen to her. Jacob had too.

  “Brie?” She forced a small smile at Jacob’s prodding. “Do you agree to those terms?”

  “Yes,” she said on a breathy whisper. Fortunately, she kept her wince from showing. She didn’t want to appear timid or scared even if she was. That was not who she wanted to be in this room. She cleared her throat and shifted toward Jacob. “I agree.”

  “Excellent.”

  She could picture his smile, which had been charming over coffee and slightly devious when he’d left her to undress in the small conference room. He brushed her hair aside before he trailed his fingers down her jaw. A light touch, almost ticklish, yet tender too.

  “Shall we begin?” He lifted her chin up.

  Her lips parted. Every nerve ending buzzed with excitement fueled by the fear that came with the unknown. But this was her chance to be the bad girl, the one who didn’t fold to the expectations of her mother or the restrictive rules of social norms.

  “Yes,” she said, reaching out. Her hands ran over bare skin as she slid them down to rest on the edge of his pants. She stretched up, hoping he’d take the hint. “Please.”

  He cupped her jaw in a gentle hold. His breath hit her lips. A spicy, sultry cologne surrounded her. She held on tighter, lifted a little more despite the nerves trembling through her limbs.

  “Yes,” he said, his lips so close to hers. “We can start.”

  Anticipation flared. Her muscles tightened. A tiny shudder raked her.

  Then arms encircled her from behind.

  She flinched, breath hitching. Her senses zoomed to the sudden press of heat at her back, the searing touch emphasizing exactly what she was doing.

  I’m having a wild sexual encounter with multiple men. Oh. My. God.

  “You’re so beautiful,” the clipped voice said from behind her.

  A nervous laugh choked out before she snapped her mouth shut. She swallowed hard. She could do this—would do this.

  With a force of will, she tried to relax into the firm support at her back. She hu
mmed her approval, hoping it sounded real, before she reached back to grab the second guy by his nape. This was good, yet the conviction in her head didn’t transfer past the wall of anxiety holding her stiff.

  Jacob dipped to nuzzle a line of kisses down her throat, forcing her chin higher. Her weight shifted back, but the man behind her kept her from tumbling to the ground. His slow caresses over her abdomen tickled more than excited. Each pass had her stomach contracting until she struggled to breathe.

  She was failing.

  The signals blared loud and condemning behind her blindfold. Where was the wild woman? The one who wanted to explore and let go? The crazy daring one dying to break free?

  The entire night would be ruined if she didn’t find that woman—fast.

  Relax. Breathe. Let go.

  The mantra helped a little. She swiveled her hips in a lascivious circle meant to entice. Would it work? His erection slid over her lower back in a declaration of his desire. At least her bumbling hadn’t killed it.

  Her smile spread at the low growl that rumbled at her back. Power and lust bloomed in a tentative streak that raced from her nipples to her pussy. She inhaled, taking a moment to savor the sensation.

  The darkness provided the freedom she’d longed for. No judgments. No frowns. No expectations glaring from disapproving eyes.

  Her attention fluttered between the kisses trailing over the curve of her breasts and the hands easing beneath her panties. She clutched the second guy tighter, arching into the dual touch. Her brain scrambled to keep up with the sensory overload that was only just beginning.

  Her pussy contracted. The scent of spice and lust infused her with the wish to be totally debauched. There was so much she had never dared to do. So many acts she’d never had a chance to do.

  Good girls didn’t do these kinds of things.

  Warm breaths ghosted over her ear. Lips closed over her nipple. The wetness soaked through the silky material of her bra. A soft squeak leaked from her parted lips.

  A low sound of approval from across the room shot through her self-absorption to remind her of the third and fourth guy. They were watching everything.

  Her knees dipped, her breath caught yet again. She tried to suck air into her lungs only to find little.